Celebration Days 2006

Hundreds of guests from around the country were on campus during the weekend of Celebration Days 2006. It was the perfect weather on Saturday for alumni and their families to catch up with old friends and see all the changes that have taken place on our campus. It was also a great time for all the visiting high school students to check out what YC has to offer.

On Friday morning, high school juniors and seniors had the opportunity to attend college classes, while many of the alumni participated in the 10th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament, held at the York Country Club. Even though it was a bit on the windy side in the early goings, the day was enjoyed by all and two foursomes shared in the winning score of ten under par: Dale Neal '66, Jack Fenske '66, Matt Fike '90, and Tim Neal '04 and the team of Tim Lewis '84, Steddon Sikes '84, Cornell Bonde '90, and Roger Deal '94.  Participants raised over $800 for the men's golf team in a post tournament auction.

Friday night, many attended the fall play Death Takes a Holiday (pics) and others renewed friendships at the Alumni Reception in the Cornerstone Room. Later that night, the auditorium of East Hill was packed for a hilarious and thought provoking performance by YC’s drama group, Soul Concern.

Those that attended Alumni Chapel on Saturday morning were treated to a message from Campus Minister Tim Lewis about God's incredible work in the hearts of the YC students.  President Baker followed with a presentation of the Alumni of the Year, announcing the 2006 recipients - Dr. Dennis and Debby Lynn from the class of '76.  Dennis' brother, David, accepted the award in their absence and a pre-recorded video message from the Lynns was shown.  For those who know the Lynns, be assured it was vintage Dennis and Debby.  The Concert Choir followed chapel with an inspiring performance and were joined by alumni in their final two numbers.

The Homecoming soccer games were exciting as usual, as the women defeated Manhattan Christian 4-1 and the men's team earned a 2-1 overtime victory against Upper Iowa University. At halftime, the Homecoming Royalty was announced: King Greg Smith, a senior Physical Education major from Concordia, Kans., and Queen Ambri Merrill, a senior Pre-Pharmacy major from Ogallala, Neb.  Other members of the court were candidates: Amanda Baldwin, Nicki Doty, Amy Springer, Lisa Weseman, Scott Bingham, Ben Duncan, Ben Hackett, and Mark Montelongo; Freshman Count & Countess – Mitch Clay and Lacey Mayfield, Sophomore Duke & Duchess – DJ Crowell and Janae Wrich, and Junior Prince & Princess – Jesse Anderson and Jen Witt. At the completion of the ceremony the royal couple was treated to a horse-drawn carriage ride around campus.

Gatherings of reunion classes went late into the night as friends shared memories and filled each other in on recent happenings in their lives.  M.A.P. (Master's Apprentice Program) also held their 40th anniversary reunion, swapping stories of how work on the mission fields impacted their lives.  A bonfire devotional ended a full day of activities for some, while others caught their second wind and enjoyed the finale of a late night talent show.

Celebration Days 2006 proved once again to be a fun weekend getaway for high school students and a great homecoming for all those who have tasted “The York Experience.”

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